The Old Bell Country Inn — Restaurant in England

My in-laws live in High Wycombe and for years we've enjoyed going for lunches at The Old Bell when we visit them. On this occasion it was Mother-in-Law's birthday. Booked but didn't realise it has been taken over from the previous owners. Greeting was friendly, starters came super quick and were tasty (Mackerel Pate and Chicken Wings). So far so good, 4 roasts and a Caesar Salad for mains. Worryingly, mains came out literally seconds after the starter plates were taken away. What a horrible sight (think of School Dinners); everything already served on the plate (no helping yourself at the table) awash with watery brown liquid (NOT a rich gravy), the yellow mush turned out to be Cauliflower Cheese, beef look alright but turned out chewy, roast potatoes weren't - they were the shape of a frisbee and looked like they'd been fried on one side (and were now waterlogged sitting in the puddle of brown liquid) and the huge Yorkshire was burnt to a crisp (dark brown/black).

The waitress came past asking if everything was OK, before I could answer she walked off. As she passed again, I explained I was not happy because of the above. She informed who I assumed was the owner/manager who asked if I wanted anything else, I refused (if that was the standard of food, no thanks and I had lost my appetite). Nobody finished the roasts but salad was finished. Desserts were 2 x ice cream (can't get that wrong) and Apple Pie and Custard which came upside down resulting in soggy pastry.

On receiving the bill (over £150) I noted no concession at all for the appalling meals, I did raise this with a waitress who just walked past. I decided not to make a scene and upset the family so paid and left. Clearly the owner/manager who we walked past on leaving didn't care, she had our money by then, as no apologies were offered.

Spoilt a Birthday treat and we will never ever return to The Old Bell. A real shame as we had been looking forward to returning to an...

Outstanding food, very friendly, attentive staff I live locally to this pub but have only started coming here regularly for the past three months. On every occasion we have been warmly welcomed by the landlady who is extremely attentive and helpful. She clearly takes great pride in her pub and goes out of her way to accommodate you. When I have come just for a couple of pints we have been offered any table we wish (contrary to a previous review I saw) even offering the large 6 seat table when there was only 2 people. We had a Sunday roast with cousins three weeks ago which everyone agreed was amazing. The meat was cooked perfectly, loads of home made gravy and Yorkshire puddings the size of my head! It beat my previous favourite (the royal standard Forty Green). Last night we ate with several couples for my birthday. Again amazing service and food. An excellent cut of fillet steak cooked to perfection, (Chequers in Marlow now has a rival!!). There are now three great pubs in the heart of Wooburn Green but The Old Bell tops them for me due to the high quality of food but most importantly the warm and friendly welcome from staff that are willing to make the effort to come and talk to you. A proper, friendly, locals, village pub with the benefit of superb food. I couldn’t ask...

Best local pub by far - great food, GREAT service, fabulous landlady & landlord, excellent atmosphere too - it doesn't get better. There's a nice and comfy garden area at the back too, local beer is sold (which is also fabulous) and one feels "at home". The lovely landlady Daniela knows everyone (seemingly) and their preferences, as do the bar staff and everybody is always happy to have a little chat and make sure you're perfectly happy. Outstanding service with a smile and a kind word - always. Truly remarkable. One definitely gets the impression that the working atmosphere is good too, which is of course a feel-good bonus too. It's a happy and comfy place and just to walk in there brings a smile onto my face. The food is excellent and they make an amazing, authentic pizza in a proper pizza oven too - latest addition is a seriously big authentic South African braai in the outdoors area. OH - and they are all dog-friendly too... Just fabulous - my week isn't complete without a visit to The Old Bell Country Inn...